Melbourne Cup entry Ruscello did everything but win his first race in Australia and the effort is likely to earn him a start in the Lexus Stakes.
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The Ed Walker-trained five-year-old, who has won four of his 16 starts in the UK, raced handy to the speed from his outside draw in Wednesday’s Biretta & Busby Hatmaker Co. Handicap (2000m) and kicked strongly inside the final 200m.
He was only worn down in the final bounds by Backbone who edged him out to win by a short head with Fabriano a length away third.
The runner-up’s owners are hoping Ruscello can earn a Melbourne Cup start via the Group Three Lexus Stakes at Flemington next month.
Backbone’s trainer Mick Kent has lesser targets in mind for his five-year-old who will head towards the $200,000 Ballarat Cup (2200m) on November 24.
“He’s tough – he probably lacks a length in class but he really stays on,” Kent said.
Backbone’s owners are members of the Ballarat Turf Club and Kent says they are keen for him to run in the country feature.
“He could run in the Kyneton Cup or one at Flemington before he gets to Ballarat,” Kent said.
“He’s carrying a bit of weight so there is still some improvement in him and hopefully he’s peaking.”